Thanks again, Watchman1. They're snug enough that I don't have heel slip and I have an inch between laces, and I didn't try to tighten them too much. Just didn't know how careful to be. The firmness of the cordovan is a whole different ballgame from what I'm used to! That said, they're extremely comfortable already.

Thanks again, Watchman1. They're snug enough that I don't have heel slip and I have an inch between laces, and I didn't try to tighten them too much. Just didn't know how careful to be. The firmness of the cordovan is a whole different ballgame from what I'm used to! That said, they're extremely comfortable already.

Yes Sir,

I think the concept of wearing the boots/shoes for 15 min intervals for awhile inside before going outside as to break in the uppers properly is a generally good idea.

Obviously, tree them when your feet are not in them.

Some give the boots or shoes a dry out period before trees go in, others do not. This last notion is mainly dictated by what climate you live in.

I think that the historical significance of shell cordovan is often lost. The leather was basically invented because of its impervious nature. Scuffs can be buffed out. Water cannot get in. Almost totally immune to salt stains. Looks better with time. Rolls instead of creases.

These things are just a few of the reasons shell was heralded as a wonder material for work boots some 70 yrs ago or so. Over the course of time, the sartorial beauty of the leather was realized and it has become a novelty. In a good way of course...

If the 8.5D Van fit you well, then I would start with the same size in Aberdeen.

Do not be surprised if you have to go out to a 8.5E...due to the restricted toe box of the sleeker Aberdeen.

Or perhaps even a 9D in Aberdeen.

There is no better alternative to trying on Alden shoes in person.

Thanks.

Thanks for the advice. I fully agree with trying the shoes, or any other shoes. However, Asia does not have many brick and mortar shops that sell Aldens, and unfortunately I do not have access where I am.

Thanks for the advice. I fully agree with trying the shoes, or any other shoes. However, Asia does not have many brick and mortar shops that sell Aldens, and unfortunately I do not have access where I am.

Shall probably go with 8.5E just to be safe.

Thats what I would recommend.

It seems that many of us here have had far greater success with Alden sizing by adjusting widths instead of lengths between the various Alden lasts.

I think the concept of wearing the boots/shoes for 15 min intervals for awhile inside before going outside as to break in the uppers properly is a generally good idea.

Obviously, tree them when your feet are not in them.

Some give the boots or shoes a dry out period before trees go in, others do not. This last notion is mainly dictated by what climate you live in.

I think that the historical significance of shell cordovan is often lost. The leather was basically invented because of its impervious nature. Scuffs can be buffed out. Water cannot get in. Almost totally immune to salt stains. Looks better with time. Rolls instead of creases.

These things are just a few of the reasons shell was heralded as a wonder material for work boots some 70 yrs ago or so. Over the course of time, the sartorial beauty of the leather was realized and it has become a novelty. In a good way of course...

Honestly that impervious, durable, hardy, good looking nature of cordovan is the #1 reason I chose them over anything similar in calf or pebble grain or CXL. I figured I wanted to wear them for a long time and look good the whole time, too. Low maintenance, good looking boots. I guess it's easy to overthink the "proper" way to go about getting these boots on the pavement.

I think the concept of wearing the boots/shoes for 15 min intervals for awhile inside before going outside as to break in the uppers properly is a generally good idea.

Obviously, tree them when your feet are not in them.

Some give the boots or shoes a dry out period before trees go in, others do not. This last notion is mainly dictated by what climate you live in.

I think that the historical significance of shell cordovan is often lost. The leather was basically invented because of its impervious nature. Scuffs can be buffed out. Water cannot get in. Almost totally immune to salt stains. Looks better with time. Rolls instead of creases.

These things are just a few of the reasons shell was heralded as a wonder material for work boots some 70 yrs ago or so. Over the course of time, the sartorial beauty of the leather was realized and it has become a novelty. In a good way of course...

Looking good in your LWB. LWBs are always a good choice.
You both wear your Tan Suede LHSes very well.
Those are very nice.
Absolutely fantastic D! Love them CT Boots!
Very nice Cigar PTBs Henry. They look very nice.
Superb as always Don, looking great again today!